"The first time I saw a hair-knob thing on my daughter’s head -- that womanthingwhere they put their hair up into a pine cone, uh, artichoke kind of thing -- I understood that she'd be able to confuse the police in a suspect lineup as to her actual height. I then wondered why professional criminals and Congress never thought of it."

“First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a socialist.Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a trade unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out -- because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me.” – Reverend Martin Niemoller

​

"Stand up -- fight -- until the last shiver of your soul -- You won’t be cold in hell."

"Dr. Maulana Karenga, professor and chairman of Black Studies at California State University, Long Beach, created Kwanzaa in 1966. After the Watts riots in Los Angeles, Dr. Karenga searched for ways to bring African-Americans together as a community. He founded US, a cultural organization, and started to research African “first fruit” (harvest) celebrations. Karenga combined aspects of several different harvest celebrations, such as those of the Ashanti and those of the Zulu, to form the basis of Kwanzaa."The name Kwanzaa is derived from the phrase 'matunda ya kwanza' which means 'first fruits' in Swahili. Each family celebrates Kwanzaa in its own way, but celebrations often include songs and dances, African drums, storytelling, poetry reading, and a large traditional meal. On each of the seven nights, the family gathers and a child lights one of the candles on the Kinara (candleholder), then one of the seven principles is discussed. The principles, called the Nguzo Saba (seven principles in Swahili) are values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing community among African-Americans. Kwanzaa also has seven basic symbols which represent values and concepts reflective of African culture. An African feast, called a Karamu, is held on December 31."- History (history.com)

Please support the National Museum of African American History and Culture, NMAAHC:1400 Constitution Avenue NW/ Washington, DC 20560/ 844-750-3012

Christmas is: “A Christian holiday honoring the birth of Jesus Christ, Christmas evolved over two millennia into a worldwide religious and secular celebration, incorporating many pre-Christian, pagan traditions into the festivities along the way. Today, Christmas is a time for family and friends to get together and exchange gifts.” - History (history.com)

​ From 12/22: “Despite theharsh winter, people opposed to the Dakota Access oil pipeline remain camped out on federal land along the Missouri River south of Bismarck. Police have stopped manning a roadblock near the camp in what they said is an effort to de-escalate tensions.But law enforcement authorities are still facing intense criticism, including a class-action lawsuit after a number of protesters were injured during confrontations.For months, the Backwater Bridge has been the line of scrimmage between protesters and police. About three quarters of a mile north of the main protest camp, the small concrete span carries North Dakota Highway 1806 over a narrow creek. The highway is the shortest route to Bismarck, about 41 miles to the north, but it remains closed to all traffic.” - MPR News/ Matt Sepic

"I'm in Bangor and I spots this driver wearin a life jacket. I wonders what this guy knows that I don’t. So’s I looks up into the tax-ridden sky searchin for storm clouds -- almosts hits a cab. But, naw, nothin up there but the quickest way to Finland if you has a blimp. So, I shrugs my wee shoulders and figures: what-the-hell the pre-flood motorist is probably just a lucky bastard out for a beer. But, then I spots four women speedin recklessly after this guy in a beat up Audi -- So, heck, maybe the guy’s a good Muslim and his wives are gonna head him off before he makes it to a bar. Or maybe he’s a good Irish Catholic and his ex-wives are in hot pursuit of alimony. Or maybe it’s four good Rabbis chasin a moil. Huh? Well, sure enough I hears the religious ladies sing out: ‘Hold up fella, we have to have someone circumcised’ -- Whether Muslim, Christian, or Jew, the Irish fella in the life jacket answers up: 'No problem darlins pull over. I'm your man.'"

"A truck plowed into a crowded Christmas market in central Berlin on (12/19) Monday evening, killing 12 people and injuring 48 others." -- Reuters/ Michael Nienaber and Paul Carrel/ Bangor Daily NewsISIS has claimed responsibility for the attack. - New York Times"Ralf Jäger, the interior minister of North Rhine-Westphalia state, said an investigation had been launched (involving) Anis Amri, who was due to be deported, earlier this year on suspicion of 'preparing a serious crime endangering national safety'." - London TelegraphGermany has played a minor role in fighting ISIS in Syria, in response to terrorist attacks in Europe and a French request for assistance. - EA WorldviewOn 12/1/15 Germany agreed to send 1,200 troops to Syria to support the fight against ISIS. - London Daily Mail

“I was a croquet player in the Northern California Attenuated Association of Professional Croquet -- the NCAAPC. I played for Sir Charles Barkley, the only NBA star knighted by the Queen of England -- the big man saved the Isle of Man from sinking after an Irish fishin boat collided with the island -- the league’s extremely popular in Northern California, Italy, Moldavia, Corsica, and Lapland, among other places. Barkley established a style of croquet uniform utilizing kilts and French Foreign Legion hats making the uniforms extremely cool, and the full contact body strikes from stake to stake completely re-energized the sport. The NCAAPC is now 82% African American -- 2% African-American owned -- but even in my day I was the only white guy on the team. I played goalie and outside skulker, uh, before the full helmet-era.”

“Twenty children and six educators” were savagely murdered by a single shooter four years ago at Sandy Hook Elementary School (after he first murdered his mother). “Newtown held a moment of silence and flags were flying at half-staff across Connecticut Wednesday (12/14/16) to mark” the anniversary. The mass murderer committed suicide. - Fox News/ Meagan Kelly

Kevin O'Kendley is the owner of Carbuncle Moon, and the author of all original material on the website (there has been a very limited editorial input in some of my work). Quoted sources are noted. I am responsible for all posts. Kevin O'Kendley: P.O. Box 172, Winterport, Maine, 04496/ and then my next address... ksokendley@outlook.com.

Technical help is provided by an evolving computer genius, Conor O'Kendley. A good kid with a great heart who can be reached at P.O. Box 172, Winterport, Maine, 04496.

Photography provided by visual artist Caitlin O'Kendley, a young woman with a beautiful soul.

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